The turn-signal lever in John Harrigan's '65 Malibu SS had long ago stripped its screw and come loose,making him the only person in recent memory that we've seen using good old-fashioned hand signals. It was time to get those blinkers working again by replacing the turn-signal switch with a repop unit from Original Parts Group.
Turn-signal switches for '64-66 Chevelles with non-tilt steering columns come in two varieties. They're not inter-changeable, and the only way to find out which you need is to look before you order. We also discovered that the lower end of the Malibu's column was just as bad as the top end. The rag joint had been replaced, but the column adapter and bearing were literally falling apart around the steering shaft. The ruined bearing was replaced with a considerably more durable bronze bushing, but replacing the Malibu's thrashed column adapter meant getting a bone-yard replacement.
This is a low-effort, high-payoff job. In less than a day we restored the Mali's turn signals and tightened up its steering by replacing the column adapter and adapter bearing (along with the new bearings in the turn-signal switch). We also improved our firewall seal with a new column flange gasket and even improved the looks of the car by repainting the column components. It's a quick and easy process, and we're sure our man Harrigan will utilize far fewer hand signals, whether of the official or unofficial type. Follow along as we show you how it's done.
Most of the necessary parts...
Most of the necessary parts came in repro form from Original Parts Group, but Steering Column Pros of Covina, California, turned up a few hard-to-find items. With parts in hand, we were ready to go.
Though our main objective...
Though our main objective was to restore turn-signal capabilities to our subject Malibu, the lower end of the steering column was also needy. The column adapter (arrow) was brittle and broken, and it had totally lost the lip that holds it in place on the column end.
After removing the standard...
After removing the standard retaining clip, we ditched the improvised set screws and hose clamp that were actually holding the adapter in place. As you can see, this part was at the end of its useful life.
Though the lower adapter can't...
Though the lower adapter can't be removed until the column comes off, we wanted to show you just how bad this part of the '65's column was. The adapter takes a bearing, which broke into pieces with just a bit of coaxing. Original Parts Group sells a solid bronze counterpart to replace this weak spot.
Back in the passenger compartment,...
Back in the passenger compartment, we removed the chrome center cap and went after the horn-button cap retainer, the retainer itself, and the steering-wheel bolt.